Systems, methods, and apparatus for simultaneous viewing of differing video program sources

ABSTRACT

One aspect of the present invention relates to a system and method for selecting the sources of at least two shows capable of being received and displayed by an entertainment system. The user selects for viewing, a first show associated with a first channel from a first source. The first show is then displayed. The user also selects for viewing, a second show associated with a second channel from any one of the first and a second sources. The second show is then displayed. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a system and method for selecting the sources of at least two shows capable of being received and displayed by an entertainment system. The user selects for viewing, a first show associated with a first channel from a first source. The first show is displayed on a first portion of a display screen. The user also selects for viewing, a second show associated with a second channel from any one of the first and a second sources. The second show is simultaneously displayed on a second portion of the display screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method forproviding digital video and audio broadcasts.

[0003] 2. Description of Art Related to the Invention

[0004] Over the last few years, there has been a growing demand forentertainment systems working in conjunction with various types ofbroadcasting systems. One type of entertainment system includes abroadcast satellite system; namely, a digital satellite system (DSS).The DSS typically comprises an antenna, an integrated receiver decoder(IRD) and a television receiver (TV). In addition, the DSS may includean analog video cassette recorder (VCR) that receives analog data forrecording purposes. The operations of the IRD are controlled by a remotecontrol.

[0005] The antenna receives digital bit streams from a satellite androutes the digital bit streams to the IRD. Typically, a digital bitstream includes sensory data (e.g., video and/or audio) and programmingdata for one or more shows. Existing DSS receivers are incompatible withterrestrially-broadcast local stations because the DSS antenna andexisting television antennas or television cable systems are entirelydifferent in design.

[0006] Recent advances by Sony Corporation has resulted in theintroduction of an analog NTSC-based television having an input forreceiving cable-based broadcasts and a separate input for receivinglocal, cabled-based and/or terrestrial-based digital broadcasts. As aresult, the consumer may select to view DSS channels andlocal/terrestrial/cable-based channels through the use of a single DSSsystem by selecting the appropriate input on the television. However,such a system does not enable the user to surf through the channels fromthe two different broadcast sources in a seamless manner. The user hasto first select the source and then select from among the channelsavailable from that particular source. In addition, such a system doesnot permit the simultaneously viewing of more than one program fromdigitally encoded source or sources.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the technology for a method andapparatus for facilitating seamless channel surfing or viewing ofprograms provided from at least two different sources. In addition,there is a need in the technology for simultaneously viewing of programsfrom more than one source. As a result, the consumer's viewing choicesmay be maximized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVETION

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a system andmethod for selecting the sources of at least two shows capable of beingreceived and displayed by an entertainment system. The user selects forviewing, a first show associated with a first channel from a firstsource. The first show is then displayed. The user also selects forviewing, a second show associated with a second channel from any one ofthe first and a second sources. The second show is then displayed. Asecond aspect of the present invention relates to a system and methodfor selecting the sources of at least two shows capable of beingreceived and displayed by an entertainment system. The user selects forviewing, a first show associated with a first channel from a firstsource. The first show is displayed on a first portion of a displayscreen. The user also selects for viewing, a second show associated witha second channel from any one of the first and a second sources. Thesecond show is simultaneously displayed on a second portion of thedisplay screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description in combination with thefigures listed below.

[0010]FIG. 1 is an illustrative embodiment of an entertainment systemutilizing the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an integratedreceiver decoder implemented within the entertainment system of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a detailed block diagram of oneembodiment of the main decoder, graphics processing and OSD unitimplemented within the integrated receiver decoder of FIG. 2.

[0013]FIG. 4 is one embodiment of a screen menu, shown superimposed overan electronic guide screen, provided for selecting the channel sourcesfor display on a single screen in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

[0014]FIG. 5 is one embodiment of a screen menu; shown superimposed overan electronic guide screen, provided for selecting the channel sourcesfor simultaneous display on two screens in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 6 is one embodiment of a display having two screens, each ofwhich displays a program having a channel source selected in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a system andmethod for providing seamless viewing of programs provided from at leasttwo different sources. In one embodiment, the sources may include asatellite broadcasting station, a cable programming station and one ormore local programming stations. The sources may be either digital(Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) compliant) or and/or(National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) compliant). In oneembodiment, each of the stations may modulate the correspondingbroadcast signals using any modulation techniques, including: amplitudemodulation, frequency modulation or frequency shift keying, and phasemodulation. The present invention also provides simultaneously displayand/or recording of programs from two different sources.

[0017] Herein, various terms are used to describe certain elements orcharacteristics of the present invention. For example, a “communicationline” is broadly defined as any communication path between a source anda destination. The communication line may include one or moreinformation-carrying lines (electrical wire, fiber optics, cable, etc.)or wireless communications through established techniques such asinfrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) signaling. A “signal” isconstrued as information transmitted in a parallel or serial manner.Stored within the system, “timer data” includes programming data ofshows scheduled to be recorded and programming data of shows chosen bythe user to be entered into timer memory but are not scheduled to berecorded. Timer data may further include programming data of shows thathave been purchased for viewing. While certain illustrative embodimentsare described in order to convey the spirit and scope of the presentinvention, such embodiments should not be construed as a limitation onthe scope of the present invention.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an entertainment systemutilizing the present invention is shown. The entertainment system 100comprises an antenna 105, a broadcast receiver 110 such as an integratedreceiver decoder (IRD) for example, and at least one analog-inputperipheral device (e.g., a display monitor such as television receiver“TV” 120 and/or an analog recording device 130 such as a video cassetterecorder “VCR”). In an alternate embodiment, the components (i.e.,antenna 105, broadcast receiver 110, TV 120 and VCR 130) may be combinedwithin a single TV receiver. The broadcast receiver 110 also comprisesan input port 145 that receives broadcast signals from a programmingstation 140, such as a cable television station. The broadcast receiver110 further comprises one or more input ports 155 ₁-155 _(n) each ofwhich receives broadcast signals from a corresponding local programming(terrestrial) station 150 ₁-150 _(n).

[0019] The broadcast receiver 110, in general, receives a broadcastsignal (a digital bit stream for example, from the antenna 105, digitaldata from the cable programming station 140, and digital and/or analogsignal information from each of the programming stations 150 ₁-150_(n)), and performs operations on the broadcast signal to producedigital and/or analog information. In one embodiment, the satellitebroadcasting station (not shown), the cable programming station 140 andthe local programming stations 150 ₁-150 _(n) may modulate thecorresponding broadcast signals using any modulation technique,including, but not limited to: amplitude modulation, for example,Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM); frequency modulation or frequencyshift keying, for example, Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) andVestigial Sideband (VSB) shift keying; and phase modulation, forexample, Phase Shift Keying (PSK) and Differential Phase Shift Keying(DPSK). By way of example, the satellite broadcasting station maymodulate the broadcast signals using QPSK prior to transmission of thecorresponding signals; the cable programming station 140 may modulatethe broadcast signals using QAM prior to transmission of thecorresponding signals; while the local programming stations may modulatethe broadcast signals using VSB prior to transmission of thecorresponding signals. Although the IRD 110 is implemented as thebroadcast receiver in this embodiment, other types of broadcastreceivers may be used such as a cable box for a Cable BroadcastingSystem, an Internet terminal, a digital satellite system (DSS) computer,a combined digital television receiver and the like.

[0020] Antenna 105 receives the digital bit stream from an orbitingsatellite or a satellite broadcasting station (not shown) and routes thebit stream to IRD 110. The bit stream is formatted in accordance withany video compression function and is usually encrypted under either asymmetric key cryptographic function or a public-key cryptographicfunction. Typically, the bit stream includes sensory data (e.g., videoand/or audio, or communication data) and control information for anumber of shows. The control information for each show includesprogramming data having the following content: date of broadcast,broadcast channel number, show start-time, show end-time, and also showtitle.

[0021] IRD 110 is responsible for: decoding the digital bit stream fromantenna 105, decoding the digital and/or analog signals from the cableprogramming station 140 and/or decoding the digital and/or analogsignals from the local programming stations 150 ₁-150 _(n); for storingchannel source data in memory accessible by channel source softwareexecuted by IRD 110; and for processing the decoded bit stream or analogdata to produce one or more output signals having appropriate formats.As shown, an output signal is placed in an analog format and sent viacommunication line 125 to TV 120 for viewing, and/or via communicationline 135 to the recording device 130 (such as a VCR) for recording. Theanalog format may be in accordance with a video format established byNational Television Systems Committee (NTSC), or other video formats,including but not limited or restricted to: Phase Alternating Line(PAL), Sequential Couleur Avec Memoire (SECAM) and other recognizedformats.

[0022] Additionally, IRD 110 is responsible for responding to aplurality of commands from a remote control 115. Remote control 115 mayinclude any type of remote control, including one described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,453,758 assigned to Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. Examples ofcommands from remote control 115 include a first command causing IRD 110to produce an output signal displaying at least an electronic guidescreen on TV 120. Likewise, a second command causes IRD 110 to produceanother output signal displaying a channel selection menu 400 (see FIGS.3 and 4) that is superimposed on the electronic guide screen. Thechannel selection menu 400 facilitates selection of the channel sourcefor a predetermined number of channels. The channel selection menu.includes a number of option grids as shown in FIGS. 3 and/or 4. Uponscrolling the channel selection menu to a selected option grid andinitiating a third command from the remote control 115, the user mayenter the desired channel source into memory as discussed below.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of an integrated receiverdecoder (IRD) 110 is shown. The antenna 105 transfers the bit stream toa front-end unit 160 of the IRD 110. Although not shown, the front-endunit 160 includes (i) amplification circuitry used to amplify anyrelatively weak signals received at antenna 105, and (ii) a tuner whichallows a user to receive a desired broadcast channel. The cableprogramming station 140 transmits digital and/or analog signal via theinput port 145 to another front-end unit 170, which similarly includes(i) amplification circuitry used to amplify any relatively weak signalsreceived at input port 145, and (ii) a tuner which allows a user toreceive a desired broadcast channel. Similarly, each local programmingstation 150 ₁-150 _(n) transmits digital and/or analog signals via acorresponding input port 155 ₁, . . . , 155 _(n) to a correspondingfront-end unit 180 ₁-180 _(n), which similarly includes (i)amplification circuitry used to amplify any relatively weak signalsreceived the corresponding input port 155 ₁, . . . , 155 _(n), and (ii)a corresponding tuner which allows a user to receive a desired broadcastchannel.

[0024] In the case where the user wishes to view a show provided by thedigital satellite system service provider, the bit stream associatedwith the desired broadcast channel is routed from front-end unit 160 toa demodulator 165. In demodulator 165, the bit stream is initiallyprocessed before transferring to a main decoder, graphics processing andOSD block 210 for further processing. Such initial processing mayinclude exposing the bit stream to QPSK-demodulation, viterbi-decoding,de-interleaving and Reed-Solomon decoding, and any other frequencydemodution.

[0025] In the case where the user wishes to view a show provided by. thecable programming station 140, the digital and/or analog signalassociated with the desired broadcast cable channel is routed from thefront-end unit 170 to a demodulator 175. In demodulator 175, the analogdata is initially processed before transferring to the main decoder,graphics processing and OSD block 210 for further processing asdiscussed above. Such initial processing may include exposing the bitstream to QAM demodulation and any other amplitude demodulation.

[0026] In the case where the user wishes to view a show provided by anyof the local programming stations 150 ₁-150 _(n), the digital and/oranalog signals associated with the desired broadcast local channel arerouted from the front-end unit 150 ₁, . . . , 150 _(n) to thecorresponding demodulator 185 ₁-185 _(n). In demodulators 185 ₁-185_(n), the digital and/or analog signals are initially processed beforetransferring to the main decoder, graphics processing and OSD block 210for further processing as discussed above. Such initial processing mayinclude exposing the bit stream to VSB demodulation and any other phasedemodulation.

[0027] In certain situations, IRD 110 is connected to other peripheraldevices though an interface (IF) 215. In this embodiment, IF 215 mayinclude a link layer integrated circuit (IC) and a physical layer IC(not shown) and complies with the IEEE standards document 1394 entitled“Standard for High Performance Serial Bus” (hereinafter referred to as“IEEE 1394”). This enables IRD 110 to connect to digital-inputperipheral devices such as digital VCRs, digital video disk players,digital laser disk players and the like. These digital-input peripheraldevices communicate with a central processing unit (CPU) within maindecoder, graphics processing and OSD block 210 through IF 215 and eitherextension bus 220 or alternatively an IEEE 1394 serial bus 225.

[0028] Referring still to FIG. 2, extension bus 220 supportsinput/output (I/O) communications by providing a communication pathbetween electronic circuitry of the main decoder, graphics processingand OSD block 210 and a number I/O related devices. These I/O relateddevices include a transceiver device 230 (e.g., a modem), a remotecommand unit interface (RCU-IF) 235, a transmitter controller 240 and anexternal non-volatile memory element 245 (e.g., read only memory “ROM”,flash memory, etc.). RCU-IF 235 receives commands from the remotecontrol (e.g. 115 of FIG. 1), and decodes the commands to produceinterrupt request signals (IRQs) corresponding to these commands. EachIRQ is transferred to the CPU within the main decoder, graphicsprocessing and OSD block 210.

[0029] Transmitter controller 240 provides a communication mechanism sothat IRD 110 is able to communicate with an analog VCR via a remotetransmitter 115 when one of the shows is scheduled to experience a timerevent such as a timed recording. Otherwise, communications between thetransmitter controller 240 and the remote transmitter 115 are disabled.Examples of the remote transmitter 115 may include, but are not limitedor restricted to infrared transmitters such as those manufactured andcommercially available from Matsushita of Osaka, Japan (referred to as a“VCR mouse”). External non-volatile (NV) memory element 245 is connectedto extension bus 220 and contains programming data of shows scheduled tobe recorded or to be viewed upon purchase, and software that controlsthe behavior of the user interface displays based on commands from theremote control as described above and in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one embodiment of theelectronic circuitry within the main decoder, graphics processing andOSD block 210 is shown. A cross switching multiplex unit 300 such as amultiplexed switch, receives the decoded bit stream from demodulator165, the digital and/or analog signals from demodulator 175, and/or thedigital and/or analog signals from demodulators 185 ₁, . . . , 185 _(n).Depending on commands from the CPU 325, representative of whetherviewing of channels broadcast by the satellite system and/or the cabletelevision system and/or one or more of the local programming stations150 ₁-150 _(n), is desired, the switching unit 300 transmits one or moreof: the decoded bit stream from demodulator 165 and/or the digitaland/or analog signals from demodulator 175 and/or the decoded digitaland/or analog signals from demodulator 185 ₁, . . . , 185 _(n) to therespective Transport Packet Parser (TPP) and filter blocks 302, 306, 310₁-310 _(n). If a decoded bit stream is transmitted, the TPP in therespective TPP and filter blocks 302, 306, 310 ₁-310 _(n) receives thedecoded bit stream and parses the bit stream.

[0031] If analog data is transmitted, the filter in the respective TPPand filter block 302, 306, 310 ₁-310 _(n) filters the analog data. Theparsed bit stream or the filtered analog data is decrypted by arespective cryptographic engine 304, 308, 312 ₁-312 _(n), which mayoperate in accordance with a cryptographic function, for example DataEncryption Standard (DES).

[0032] CPU 325 controls the operations of the IRD 110 by communicatingwith a plurality of elements through an internal high-speed bus 330.These elements include an optional volatile memory 335, at least onenon-volatile (NV) memory element 340 (e.g., read only memory “ROM”,erasable programmable read only memory “EPROM”, flash memory, etc.) thatcontains software programs, extension bus interface 345, and trafficcontroller 320. NV memory element 340, in lieu of external NV memory 245of FIG. 2, may be used to store software needed by CPU 325 (e.g.,interrupt software) or perhaps timer data. Extension bus interface 345allows CPU 325 to communicate with the devices coupled to extension bus220.

[0033] Based on commands from the CPU 325, the traffic controller (Tc)320 provides any one of: (i) the parsed bit stream from demodulator 165to the transport demultiplexor 350; (ii) the digital and/or analogsignals from demodulator 175 to transport demultiplexor 370; (iii) thedigital and/or analog signals from demodulator 185 ₁, . . . , 185 _(n),to a corresponding transport demultiplexor 370 ₁, . . . , 370 _(n). Inone embodiment, the traffic controller 320 may provide, simultaneously,and in any combination, any of the (i) the parsed bit stream fromdemodulator 165 to the transport demultiplexor 350; (ii) the digitaland/or analog signals from demodulator 175 to transport demultiplexor360; (iii) the digital and/or analog signals from demodulator 185 ₁, . .. , 185 _(n), to a corresponding transport demultiplexor 370 ₁, . . . ,370 _(n). That is, the traffic controller 320 may provide broadcastsignals from any combination (i.e., two or more) of broadcast sources,e.g., from the antenna 105 (FIG. 1), the cable programming station 140(FIG. 1), and any one or more of the local programming stations 150 ₁, .. . , 150 _(n) (FIG. 1). The broadcast signals from the differentsources may thereafter be displayed simultaneously on separate screensof a single display (see, for example, FIG. 5). In one embodiment, thebroadcast signals from the different sources may be displayedsimultaneously while being programmed to be recorded by the VCR 130(FIG. 1). Alternatively, the broadcast signal from a first source may bedisplayed on a first screen of the display, while another broadcastsignal from a second source may be configured for recording. In thisalternative embodiment, the broadcast signals from both sources may bedisplayed on separate screens on a single display while the broadcastsignal from the second source is being recorded. The present inventionmay be extended to simultaneously providing broadcast signals from morethan two different sources, either for simultaneously display, forsimultaneous recording or for simultaneously recording and displaying.

[0034] The parsed bit stream provided to the transport demultiplexor 350is demultiplexed and provided to a video decoder 352, an audio decoder354 and a video format converter, graphics processing and on screendisplay (OSD) circuit 380. Similarly, the digital and/or analog signalsprovided to the transport demultiplexor 360 are demultiplexed and thevideo signals are provided to a video decoder 362, the audio signals areprovided to an audio decoder 364 and synchronization signals areprovided to the video format converter, graphics processing and OSDcircuit 380. The signals provided to any one of the transportdemultiplexors 370 ₁-370 _(n) are demultiplexed and provided to acorresponding high speed auxiliary output terminal and to the videoformat converter, graphics processing and OSD circuit 380. The outputsof the audio decoders 354 and 364 are provided to corresponding audiocircuits in the audio section 394, which process the audio signals. Theprocessed audio signals are subsequently provided as audio outputs.

[0035] The processed video signals from video decoders 352 and 362 aredecoded and subsequently provided to the video format converter,graphics processing and OSD circuit 380. The output of the video formatconverter, graphics processing and OSD circuit 380 are subsequentlyprovided to a splitter 382, which forwards the signals to one of asignal encoder 390 and/or signal encoder 392, in response to commandsfrom the CPU 325. The output of the signal encoder 390 are also analogvideo signals provided for viewing on TV 120 (FIG. 1) while the outputof the signal encoder 392 are analog video signals provided to VCR 130.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 3A & 3B, the operations performed by IRD 110to support selective display and/or recording of programming dataassociated with programs from one or more sources are described. Uponreceiving the first command from the remote control (e.g., userdepressing “guide” button of remote control), RCU-IF 235 transfers afirst interrupt request signal (IRQ1), corresponding to the firstcommand, directly to CPU 325 or indirectly through a queuing mechanism(not shown). In response to detecting IRQ1, CPU 325 executes interruptsoftware contained in external NV memory element 245 (or NV memoryelement 340) and services IRQ1.

[0037] More specifically, in order to service IRQ1, CPU 325 executesinterrupt software, normally coded to control the video formatconverter, graphics processing and OSD logic block 380, to produce anelectronic guide screen, such as that shown in FIG. 4. The firstoperation involves CPU 325 signaling traffic controller 320, viacommunication line 355, to retrieve at least programming data containedin external volatile memory 315 and route the programming data tographics processing and OSD logic block 380. Next, CPU 325 controls thevideo format converter, graphics processing and OSD logic block 350 todecompress the programming data in accordance with a recognized videoformat and to produce (for display) the electronic guide screen in amanner well-known in the art. In general, the programming data isprocessed as a bitmap to overlay appropriate grids forming the layout ofthe electronic guide screen.

[0038] The electronic guide screen may be superimposed over video bymixing signals representing the electronic guide screen with videooutput from video decoder 352 or 362. The video output includes videosignals received by main decoder, graphics processing and OSD block 210and decompressed in accordance with Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG),Joint Picture Experts Group JPEG) or any other video decompressionfunction. Alternatively, the electronic guide screen may be superimposedover a still background. In any event, the resulting mixed video outputis transferred to signal encoder 390 and/or signal encoder 392. Signalencoders 390 and 392 each convert the mixed video output into an analogsignal having a recognized video format such as NTSC, PAL, SECAM and thelike (or may go directly to a CRT or other display device in a systemwhich is embodied in a TV receiver).

[0039] As the user selects a grid of the electronic guide screenassociated with a channel that is provided from a satellite station(e.g., received via antenna 105), the CPU 325 causes the front-end unit160 to tune to receive and display video of that show as background.Upon RCU-IF 235 receiving a command from the remote control (e.g., userdepressing “select” button of the remote control) while the grid of thecurrent-broadcast show is selected, RCU-IF 235 transfers a secondinterrupt request signal (IRQ2). In response to detecting IRQ2, CPU 325executes interrupt software and services IRQ2 by signaling the front-endunit 160 to tune to the broadcast channel of the current-broadcast showand to discontinue producing the electronic guide screen.

[0040] As the user selects a grid of the electronic guide screenassociated with a channel that is provided from the cable programmingstation 140, the CPU 325 causes the front-end unit 170 to tune toreceive and display video of that show as background. Upon RCU-IF 235receiving a third command from the remote control (e.g., user depressing“select” button of the remote control) while the grid of thecurrent-broadcast show is selected, RCU-IF 235 transfers a thirdinterrupt request signals (IRQ3). In response to detecting IRQ2, CPU 325executes interrupt software and services IRQ3 by signaling the front-endunit 140 to tune to the broadcast channel of the current-broadcast showand to discontinue producing the electronic guide screen.

[0041] As the user selects a grid of the electronic guide screenassociated with a channel that is provided from the local programmingstations 150 ₁-150 _(n), the CPU 325 causes the corresponding front-endunit 180 ₁-180 _(n) to tune to receive and display video of that show asbackground. Upon RCU-IF 235 receiving a fourth command from the remotecontrol (e.g., user depressing “select” button of the remote control)while the grid of the current-broadcast show is selected, RCU-IF 235transfers a fourth interrupt request signal (IRQ4). In response todetecting IRQ4, CPU 325 executes interrupt software and services IRQ4 bysignaling the corresponding front-end unit 180 ₁-180 _(n) to tune to thebroadcast channel of the current-broadcast show and to discontinueproducing the electronic guide screen. Likewise, additional commands maybe generated to signal other front end units, 180 ₁-180 _(n), to tune tothe broadcast channel of choice.

[0042] Since the signals received from the different sources, i.e., fromeach of the satellite station (via antenna 105), the cable programmingstation 140 and/or the local programming station 150 ₁-150 _(n), areseparately processed, the user may surf through. channels provided fromany of the different sources in a seamless manner.

[0043] As the user selects a grid of the electronic guide screenassociated with a channel that may be provided from more than onesource, for example, from a satellite station, a cable station or any ofa number of local programming stations, CPU 325 executes the channelsource software which displays a channel source selection menu 400 thatis superimposed over the electronic guide screen as shown in FIG. 4.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, the channel selection menu 400 includesa header 405 and a plurality of option grids 410 _(1-n). For example, asshown, the header grid 405 indicates that the user has selected achannel that may be provided from more than one source, e.g., from eachof the satellite station (via antenna 105), the cable programmingstation 140 and/or the local programming station 150 ₁-150 _(n). Each ofthe option grids 410 _(1-n) is divided into two columns 420 a and 420 b.Column 420 a displays the channel numbers and column 420 b displays thesources (LOCAL, CABLE or DSS) corresponding to the channel number incolumn 420 a, that may be selected. One of the two sources ishighlighted to facilitate user selection. If the highlighted source,e.g., LOCAL, is desired for a particular channel (e.g., channel 4), theuser may depress the “select” button on the remote control. If anothersource is desired, the user may use an arrow button (in this case theright arrow button) to move to the next source (in this case, “CABLE”),which lights up in response. The highlighted CABLE source may belikewise selected. In one embodiment, the user may select the channelsources for any number or all the affected channels (e.g., channels100-125) using the menu 400 provided as shown in FIG. 4.

[0045] The user may select viewing and/or recording of a program fromany of the programming sources. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, upon RCU-IF 235receiving a fifth command from the remote control while the first optiongrid 410 ₁ is selected, RCU-IF 235 transfers a fifth interrupt requestsignal (IRQ5). In response to detecting IRQ5, CPU 525 executes interruptsoftware contained in external NV memory element 245 and services IRQ5.Servicing IRQ5 involves loading channel source selection programmingdata into memory (e.g., external NV memory element 245) for recording ofa program by VCR 130. A first state value will be subsequently loadedinto the record parameter of channel source software, which whenexecuted, will direct the switching unit 300 to switch to receivedigital data from demodulator 165, or to receive analog data fromdemodulator 175 or to receive data from demodulators 185 ₁-185 _(n). Inaddition, servicing IRQ5 causes the CPU 325 to direct either the frontend unit 160 to tune to the corresponding station provided by asatellite via antenna 105, or the front end unit 170 to tune to thecorresponding station provided by the cable programming station 140, orthe front end unit(s) 180 ₁-180 _(n) to tune to the corresponding localprogramming station(s) 150 ₁-150 _(n).

[0046] The user may also select viewing and/or recording of two or moreprograms from different sources, simultaneously. In one embodiment, amultiple channel selection menu 500 superimposed over a guide screen, asshown in FIG. 5 is displayed when the viewer desires viewing and/orrecording of two or more programs from different sources,simultaneously. The multiple channel selection menu 500 includes aheader 505, and two columns 510 a and 510 b. Column 510 a illustratesthe channels that may be selected for display on a first screen 610(FIG. 6) (and/or also for simultaneous recording) and column 510 billustrates the channels that may be selected for display on a secondscreen 620 (and/or also for simultaneous recording). In one embodiment,each channel for display on the first screen 610 is highlighted, andselection of the channel may be entered by depressing the “Enter” key onthe remote transmitter 115. The user may peruse through the programs inany of the channels by using the “Up” or “Down” arrow keys on thetransmitter 115. Selection or viewing of the programs for each channelon the second screen 620 may likewise be provided. FIG. 6 is oneembodiment of a display 600 such as TV 120 that displays programs from afirst source on a first screen 610, and displays programs from a secondsource on a second screen 620 in a manner as discussed above. As aresult, the user may view both programs while recording either or bothprograms.

[0047] The present invention thus provides a method and apparatus forfacilitating seamless channel surfing or viewing of programs providedfrom at least two different sources. The present invention also providessimultaneously viewing and/or recording of programs from two or moredifferent sources. As a result, the consumer's viewing choices aremaximized.

[0048] The present invention described herein may be designed in manydifferent embodiments and using many different configurations. Asdiscussed herein, the architecture of the IRD is flexible. While thepresent invention has been described in terms of various embodiments,other embodiments may come to mind to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Theinvention should, therefore, be measured in terms of the claims whichfollow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for selecting the sources of at leasttwo shows capable of being received and displayed by an entertainmentsystem, comprising: selecting for viewing, a first show associated witha first channel from a first source; displaying the first show;selecting for viewing, a second show associated with a second channelfrom any one of the first and a second sources; and displaying thesecond show.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first source isselected from a group consisting of: a satellite-based station, acable-based station and a local station.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein said second source is selected from a group consisting of: asatellite-based station, a cable-based station and a local station, saidsecond source being different from said first source.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: loading programming data associated withthe selected first channel of the first show into a memory of theentertainment system; and loading programming data associated with theselected second channel of the second show into the memory of theentertainment system.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:prompting selection of the first and the second shows corresponding tothe first and the second channels, by executing software by a centralprocessing unit, implemented within the entertainment system, to producea screen menu; and wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting afirst option grid of the screen menu to load the correspondingprogramming data into the memory and selecting a second option grid ofthe screen menu to load the corresponding programming data into thememory.
 6. A method for selecting the sources of at least two showscapable of being received and displayed by an entertainment system,comprising: selecting for viewing, a first show associated with a firstchannel from a first source; displaying the first show on a firstportion of a display screen; selecting for viewing, a second showassociated with a second channel from any one of the first and a secondsources; and simultaneously displaying the second show on a secondportion of the display screen.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein thefirst source transmits broadcast signals associated with the first showusing a first coding technique.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein thesecond source transmits broadcast signals associated with the secondshow using a second coding technique that is different from the firstcoding technique.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first and secondcoding techniques are selected from a group consisting of: amplitudemodulation, frequency modulation and phase modulation.
 10. The method ofclaim 6, wherein said first source is selected from a group consistingof: a satellite-based station, a cable-based station and a localstation.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein said second source isselected from a group consisting of: a satellite-based station, acable-based station and a local station, said second source beingdifferent from said first source.
 12. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising: loading programming data associated with the selected firstchannel of the first show into a memory of the entertainment system; andloading programming data associated with the selected second channel ofthe second show into the memory of the entertainment system.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising: prompting selection of the firstand the second shows corresponding to the first and the second channels,by executing software by a central processing unit, implemented withinthe entertainment system, to produce a screen menu; and wherein the stepof selecting comprises selecting a first option grid of the screen menuto load the corresponding programming data into the memory and selectinga second option grid of the screen menu to load the correspondingprogramming data into the memory.
 14. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising recording of one of said first and said second shows.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising recording of the other one ofsaid first and said second shows.
 16. An entertainment systemcomprising: a display monitor; and a broadcast receiver coupled to thedisplay monitor, the broadcast receiver including a first front-end unitcapable of receiving programming data associated with a first showbroadcast from a first source via a first channel for viewing on thedisplay monitor, a second front-end unit capable of receivingprogramming data associated with a second show broadcast from a secondsource via a second channel for viewing on the display monitor, aplurality of memory elements, and a central processing unit coupled tothe plurality of memory elements, the central processing unit executingsoftware to assist the broadcast receiver in loading programming dataassociated with a selected one of the first and the second shows intoone of the plurality of memory elements along with information, todisplay said first show on the display monitor upon receiving a firstselection signal, and to display said second show on the display monitorupon receiving a second selection signal, the first and second showsbeing displayed continuously.
 17. The entertainment system of claim 16,wherein the display monitor includes a television receiver.
 18. Theentertainment system of claim 16, wherein the broadcast receiverincludes an integrated receiver decoder.
 19. The entertainment system ofclaim 16, wherein the central processing unit of the broadcast receiverexecutes software to provide a screen menu, selection of a first optiongrid of the screen menu signals the central processing unit to load afirst programming data into the one of the plurality of memory elementsindicating that the first show is to be displayed.
 20. The entertainmentsystem of claim 19, wherein upon selection of a second option grid, thecentral processing unit controls loading of a second programming datainto the one of the plurality of memory elements indicating that thesecond show is to be displayed.
 21. The entertainment system of claim16, wherein the first source transmits broadcast signals associated withthe first show using a first coding technique.
 22. The entertainmentsystem of claim 21, wherein the second source transmits broadcastsignals associated with the second show using a second coding techniquethat is different from the first coding technique.
 23. The entertainmentsystem of claim 22, wherein the first and second coding techniques areselected from a group consisting of: amplitude modulation, frequencymodulation and phase modulation.
 24. The entertainment system of claim16, wherein said first source is selected from a group consisting of: asatellite-based station, a cable-based station and a local station. 25.The entertainment system of claim 24, wherein said second source isselected from a group consisting of: a satellite-based station, acable-based station and a local station, said second source beingdifferent from said first source.
 26. An entertainment systemcomprising: a display monitor; and a broadcast receiver coupled to thedisplay monitor, the broadcast receiver including a first front-end unitcapable of receiving programming data associated with a first showbroadcast from a first source for viewing on the display monitor, asecond front-end unit capable of receiving programming data associatedwith a second show broadcast from a second source for viewing on thedisplay monitor, a plurality of memory elements, and a centralprocessing unit coupled to the plurality of memory elements, the centralprocessing unit executing software to assist the broadcast receiver inloading programming data associated with a selected one of the first andthe second shows into one of the plurality of memory elements along withinformation, and to simultaneously display said selected first andsecond shows on the display monitor.
 27. The entertainment system ofclaim 26, wherein the display monitor includes a television receiver.28. The entertainment system of claim 26, wherein the broadcast receiverincludes an integrated receiver decoder.
 29. The entertainment system ofclaim 26, wherein the central processing unit of the broadcast receiverexecutes software to provide a screen menu, selection of a first optiongrid of the screen menu signals the central processing unit to load afirst programming data into the one of the plurality of memory elementsindicating that the first show is to be displayed.
 30. The entertainmentsystem of claim 29, wherein upon selection of a second option grid, thecentral processing unit controls loading of a second programming datainto the one of the plurality of memory elements indicating that thesecond show is to be displayed.
 31. The entertainment system of claim26, wherein the first source transmits broadcast signals associated withthe first show using a first coding technique.
 32. The entertainmentsystem of claim 31, wherein the second source transmits broadcastsignals associated with the second show using a second coding techniquethat is different from the first coding technique.
 33. The entertainmentsystem of claim 32, wherein the first and second coding techniques areselected from a group consisting of: amplitude modulation, frequencymodulation and phase modulation.
 34. The entertainment system of claim26, wherein said first source is selected from a group consisting of: asatellite-based station, a cable-based station and a local station. 35.The entertainment system of claim 34, wherein said second source isselected from a group consisting of: a satellite-based station, acable-based station and a local station, said second source beingdifferent from said first source.
 36. The entertainment system of claim26, wherein the central processing unit further executes software torecord one of said first and said second shows.
 37. The entertainmentsystem of claim 36, wherein the central processing unit further executessoftware to record the other one of said first and said second shows.